As urban lifestyles evolve, shared living has become a practical solution for students and professionals navigating high rental costs. Yet, the co-living sector often remains fragmented, with informal management and inconsistent standards. THE HABITAT MUMBAI, founded by Bunny Makhni, was established to bring structure, predictability, and professionalism into this space.
Bunny’s entry into the housing sector followed a period of personal financial difficulty. After experiencing losses in a previous business, he restarted his career as a PG and rental consultant. This phase allowed him to study the market closely. He observed that while demand was steady, quality management and compliance were lacking—creating discomfort for residents and risk for property owners.
The turning point came when Bunny transformed his own residence into a PG, moving out and renting it to multiple occupants. The immediate response confirmed the opportunity. Soon after, he began leasing entire flats and managing them independently, eliminating reliance on owners for day-to-day operations. This operational control enabled consistency and laid the groundwork for THE HABITAT MUMBAI.
Built over 12 years, the organisation now manages 1,000+ beds with around 90% occupancy. The business has grown organically without external funding, relying on careful reinvestment and financial discipline. This approach has allowed THE HABITAT MUMBAI to scale responsibly while maintaining operational control.
The organisation serves a dual purpose in the housing ecosystem. For residents, it provides affordable, safe, and well-managed accommodation. For property owners, it ensures responsible asset utilisation with predictable returns. Clear documentation, defined house rules, and professional oversight form the backbone of operations.
Bunny’s leadership philosophy is grounded in discipline and foresight. He believes shortcuts compromise sustainability, particularly in service-driven businesses. Overcrowding, unclear agreements, and regulatory neglect may deliver short-term gains but erode long-term trust. THE HABITAT MUMBAI prioritises legal clarity and operational discipline to avoid these pitfalls.
Entrepreneurial challenges—from compliance to people management—reinforced Bunny’s belief in system-led growth. He learned that organisations must function beyond individual involvement to scale sustainably. This insight continues to guide process development and team training.
Looking ahead, THE HABITAT MUMBAI plans to deepen its footprint across the Mumbai metropolitan region before expanding into other Maharashtra cities. Growth will remain measured, supported by strengthened systems and operational readiness.
Being recognised by SiliconIndia Magazine as one of the “10 Best Co-Living Space Startups – City Category (2023)” reflects the organisation’s credibility. For Bunny Makhni, however, the true achievement lies in building a reliable housing model that delivers consistency, affordability, and trust in an evolving urban landscape.
